Tirol The business location

· www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location ... with excellent prospects Tirol isTirol is …

76% of Tiroleans believe that their homeland is an attractive place to live and work. happy Tiroleans live healthier and longer. healthy

The average working week is 45 hours, while strikes are few and far between. motivated

The industrial export rate is 67 per cent. international innovative, creative and research-oriented In the last ten years total employment has risen by 14 per cent. What makes a pro job-creation perfect location? Its R&D ratio of 2.79 per cent places it third among the Austrian federal states. a medal winner Political and social stability, economic prosperity and a network of top businesses? One fifth of ’s scientific publications originates in Tirol. scientific Highly qualified and motivated staff, leading international research centres, tailor-made The world-renowned physicists of the quantum capital, , have alone produced a particle specialist support and a business-friendly tax system? the world’s first Bose-Einstein condensates from just three chemical elements – caesium, strontium and erbium. Or perhaps unspoilt nature, an advanced healthcare system and top-quality drinking water? attractive for There is no need to decide between these Corporate profits are taxed at an effective rate of 22 per cent. options in Tirol. Here you can have it all. There is a ten per cent tax allowance for R&D. businesses Welcome to one of Central Europe’s most dynamic regions. Authorisation procedures take a minimum of time. service-oriented

2 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 3 Contents

6 Strong teams, more power 26 A rich life Co-operation and networking for Health, nature and culture Foreword effective R&D 28 Success across the board 8 Support gives Tirol the edge Tirol anchors its competitiveness Bespoke packages for business 30 An outstanding workshop 12 So close, so far for ideas Excellent infrastructure for A conference and congress location working internationally in the mountains

A warm welcome to Tirol. Tirol is one of the most popular and Are you looking for stability and security 14 This is where I want to be 32 “Happily in Tirol” Top scientists and business dynamic locations in the Alpine region: for your business, with highly motivated Successful business people and Interview with Dr. Harald Gohm, internationally connected, it is a top- staff, low taxes and excellent connections? scientists in Tirol executive director of the people who have chosen Tirol quality business location that welcomes You can find it all here. Standortagentur Tirol say “Happily in Tirol”. innovative thinking, while remaining a 20 A stable basis holiday paradise at the heart of the Alps. As a location, Tirol can give you all this and Pure research as a central strength 34 Welcome to Tirol much more. As a scientific and economic The business location agency can Tirol has always had a history of self- hub with a Europe-wide reputation, it offers 22 Top quality staff open doors and act as a catalyst confidence and strength, qualities that also business-friendly taxation, a service-oriented Motivated and well trained make for a successful location. With its administration, an innovative technology strength based on traditional values, it has landscape, stable and effective co-operation the courage to try out the new and the will and a breathtakingly beautiful scenery. to achieve the exceptional. This produces a Tirol has plenty of opportunities for both dynamic that is a real force in the competitive excitement and relaxation, for people, for arena of international business and science. enterprises and for families. Top scientists Those moving here to work are inspired and business people who have chosen Tirol each day anew by an Alpine quality of life today say: “Happily in Tirol”. Read why in the that offers both stability and innovation, all following pages. against a backdrop of mountain peaks and cultural treasures. I hope you very much enjoy discovering one of Europe’s most dynamic economic regions and I hope you enjoy reading what follows and I I look forward to your arrival. am delighted that you have decided to choose Tirol as a location.

Yours Yours Günther Platter Patrizia Zoller-Frischauf Governor of Tirol State Councillor for the Economy

Legal notice: “Tirol – the business location” December 2013 • Media owner and publisher: Standortagentur Tirol / Tiroler Zukunftsstiftung, Ing.-Etzel-Straße 17, 6020 Innsbruck, www.standort-tirol.at, phone + 43.(0)512.576262 • Content manager: Standortagentur Tirol • Picture credits: (if several images appear on a page credits run left to right, top to bottom.) Cover, 02/03, 07, 08, 09, 10/11, 12/13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 (above), 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34/35: Standortagentur Tirol – 04: Region of Tirol – 05: Innsbruck Tourismus, Stefan Dauth – 06: superTEX – 12 upper left: Andreas Fischer/Innsbruck Airport – 15: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG/K.D. Busch, Fellbach – 16, 17: Gerhard Berger – 20: University of Innsbruck – 23 below: Tirol Werbung/Laurin Moser – 26: istockphoto.com, Innsbruck Tourismus – 27: Innsbruck Tourismus, Tirol Werbung/Norbert Freudenthaler, Tirol Werbung/Matthias Burtscher, Innsbruck Tourismus, Tirol Werbung/Media Lounge, Tiroler Landestheater/Rupert Larl, Tirol Werbung/Klaus Kranebitter, Tirol Werbung/Xandi Kreuzeder, Tirol Werbung/Robert Gruber – 30: @cmi; TVB Mayrhofen, photos: Norbert-Freudenthaler.com – 31: Joe Hölzl, Congress Centrum /Lois Hechenblaikner, @cmi • All rights reserved. All possible care has been taken in assembling the information presented, but no liability can be accepted for content or accuracy. Sources for percentages and rankings: World Competitiveness Yearbook 2012 (WCY), Statistik Austria, Bank Austria location analysis, Chamber of Commerce

4 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 5 Strong teams, more power

According to the Global Competitiveness Standortagentur Tirol Index 2012 – 2013 (GCI), Austria is one Universities of the „innovation-driven“ nations, occupying 16th place when competitiveness Politics is compared. With it Austria again improved three ranks.

Technical colleges According to the World Competitiveness Clusters Yearbook (WCY), Austria is among the top Competence centres 20 countries for „technological cooperation between companies“. Extra-university research establishments

Enterprises

It is simple to adapt products A location can truly develop its power if Tirol support the centres financially. Of the and services in low-wage there is efficient and effective co-operation eight international competence centres, alpS Competence centres in Tirol Technology offensive between science and business. Ideally an and Oncotyrol, the centre for personalised economies. The crucial enterprise will develop its research and cancer medicine, as well as the research competitive edge is provided by development in co-operation with research projects AAHM-R2P and Sports Textiles Between now and 2015 Tirol is further establishments to achieve a higher level of Tirol, have established themselves in Tirol. international regional strengthening its position as a top research and development, co- technology. In Tirol this is the particular The remaining four centres all have locations, technology location through its targeted operation between enterprises, function of the so-called competence centres. own interfaces or their own research groups • Oncotyrol: • K-Regio PowerBox2: expansion of specialist higher technical These research and applied research transfer respectively participating companies in Tirol. Translational, personalised Renewable energy technologies education and university courses in as well as through science parks facilities are oriented towards both regional cancer medicine • K-Regio Skitechnologie: mechatronics, biotechnology and adaptation and networks. In Tirol this and international co-operation. Thus for Clusters • alpS Centre for Climate Change Tribology technologies. example the competence centre alpS, where Adaptation Technologies: • K-Regio VAMEL: is the function of competence 64 enterprises work together with 36 Tirol as a location also boasts active intra- Adaptation to climate change, Medical technology With new chairs, for instance in production centres and clusters. academic partners both in Austria and abroad. business networks – clusters – consisting renewable energy technologies • K-Regio Diagnostic Pedal Cardio: engineering or mechanical components They are jointly developing new protection of specialised enterprises and research or • ACIB: Medical technology and construction technologies, the civil mechanisms against natural hazards and educational facilities. Enterprises locating in Industrial biotechnology • K-Regio enerChange: engineering faculty at the University of optimising the supply and use of renewable Tirol or seeking partners for their innovations • MCL (Materials Center Leoben): Electromobility Innsbruck has been developed into a energies. can rapidly be integrated into these Materials technology, process • K-Regio Innovative Wood Protection: technical faculty, with the possibility of clusters, which facilitate market launches technology Materials technology obtaining degrees there to bachelor, master Regional and international in such sectors of the future as renewable • K1-MET (participation): • K-Regio MitoCom: and doctorate levels in mechatronics. energies, wood, information technologies, Metallurgy Medical technology While the regional support programme mechatronics, life sciences and wellness. The • AAHM-R2P – Alpine Airborne • K-Regio KryoTipkatheter: The two most recently endowed (K-Regio) solely supports Tirolean partners Standortagentur Tirol manages the clusters Hydromapping, Research to Practice: Medical technology professorships are financed by the in regional competence centres, partners and introduces businesses to these co- survey of water bodies region of Tirol, which will be investing a of various nationalities enjoy the support operatively-minded networks. • Sports Textiles: further 3 million euros in university-level of the Austrian COMET programme in Materials technology mechatronics teaching in the next five years. international competence centres, and both • K-Licht (participation): international the Austrian government and the region of Energy efficient lighting regional

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The region of Tirol can react rapidly and flexibly to the Whether you are an absolute beginner or a reinforcing Tirol’s hi-tech, free market seasoned professional, whether it is a matter advantages. Applicants for K-Regio assistance requirements of the economy and science, developing bespoke of a feasibility study, project preparation or receive comprehensive advice from the research support packages for businesses in Tirol. State and EU development of new products, Tirol’s support Standortagentur Tirol, with implementation programmes make it easier for enterprises to of projects in partnership via consortia. subsidies are also available to promote research, technology and get their research, technology and innovation innovation projects. projects off the ground. Special emphasis is Austrian and European Union support Overall support placed on co-operation between enterprises Annual capital expenditure on research and and scientific establishments, linking regional The Austrian government too can offer development from the Austrian government, expertise and allowing the effective use of support for larger, supra-regional projects. the region of Tirol, the European Union, synergies. This includes the COMET programme in international organisations and enterprises support of international competence centres. in all totals some 729 million euros, with the Tirol has Austria’s most comprehensive range of Financial assistance may also be provided trend increasing, all ensuring that research support for technology and innovation. for research and technological development in Tirol has the right foundations for a under the European Union’s research successful future. promotion programmes. Standortagentur Regional partnership Tirol can provide support and advice in making applications and in the establishment From 2002–2012 the region of Tirol alone The main regional support programme and realisation of supra-regional projects. has granted some 70 million euros in funds for co-operative technology projects is for technology transfer and co-operative “K-Regio”. The aim is to ensure that co- research. operation between enterprises and research establishments leads to direct or indirect For more information see: product or procedural innovations, in turn www.tirol.gv.at/wirtschaft/wirtschaftsfoerderung

Financing research

Research and development expenditure in financing 41.5 per cent of total expenditure Tirol, which is 729 million euros in total (around 302,5 million euros). Further 13.4 per during 2011, is financed by four sectors cent of research and development funds in (see diagram). Tirol, around 97.4 million euros, are financed from sources abroad including international The public sector (e.g. the Austrian govern- organisations and the European Union while ment, the region of Tirol) leads with 44.5 per some 0.7 per cent (4.8 million euros) are cent (corresponding to 324 million euros mobilized by the private not-for-profit sector. in 2011). The business sector follows with Public Sector 44.47 % Business Sector 41.51 % Foreign payments incl. settlements from international organisations and EU 13.36 % Private not-for-profit sector 0.65 %

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10 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 11 Stockholm

Moscow Copenhagen

Manchester Hamburg

Amsterdam Berlin London Rotterdam Düsseldorf Kiev Frankfurt

Vienna Munich North Tirol Salzburg Kitzbühel

Zurich Imst Innsbruck Landeck East Lienz Tirol So close, so far Bologna Tirol

Milan, Zurich, Amsterdam. Successful working methods to produce Successful entrepreneurs competitive advantages require a location Innovation and technology Depending on the enterprise’s location, Tirol with comprehensively equipped offices and centres in Tirol also offers rapid, direct access to the airports work internationally superbly connected manufacturing facilities. at Zurich, Munich and Salzburg. and depend on excellent Tirol thus offers not just classic trading estates • Innovation centre in Reutte throughout the region, but also innovation • Lantech innovation centre in Landeck infrastructure. This means centres with flexible, fully equipped offices • Life Science Center in Innsbruck not just commercial and including fast internet connections, seminar • Impulszentrum in Schwaz rooms and office support. The innovation • Regiotech in Hochfilzen industrial areas, but centres also provide regional networking, • East Tirol Business Park By train also innovation and functioning as local connection points for all important partners. Munich < 2 h Bologna < 5 h technology centres, as well Verona 3 h Frankfurt 5 h 30 as an efficient and effective Simple and fast Zurich 3 h 30 Milan 6 h Direct flights from Innsbruck Venice 4 h transport network. Authorisation procedures are also completed include: in a straightforward manner, focused on More information www.oebb.at one agency as a partner. An enterprise can Vienna 50 mins. be set up in a short period of time, with Frankfurt 50 mins. Copenhagen 1 h 20 nothing further standing in the way of doing Düsseldorf 1 h London 1 h 45 international business. This is because, thanks Berlin 1 h 10 Manchester 1 h 50 to its decades of experience in tourism, Tirol Hamburg 1 h 10 Kiev 1 h 55 has a comprehensive transportation network Rotterdam 1 h 15 Stockholm 2 h 10 By car connecting locations throughout the entire Amsterdam 1 h 20 Moscow 3 h region with cities, stations and airports, Status: September 2013 Tirol is connected to Austria’s East-West axis simultaneously smoothing the logistics path via the A12 Inntal autobahn, and to the North- to international markets. More information www.innsbruck-airport.com South axis via the A13 Brenner autobahn.

12 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 13 This is where I want to be.

DI Valentine Troi, 36: young businesswoman and founder of superTEX composites Dr. Nikolas Stihl, 53: chairman of the advisory board of Stihl Holding AG & Co. Kg, and for many years More and more successful managing director of its Tirolean subsidiary Viking business people and scientists choose Tirol as a place to live and work. Read on to discover why this is, and just how they benefit in terms of added “I got excellent assistance and The compact nature of Tirol is very helpful “I like the Tirolean mentality: Tirol has a great quality of life and is very value. as it means I can accomplish a lot of things business-friendly, with a positive attitude to support in starting my business in a short space of time. The good transport people here have a strong work industry, which is vital when building up and and in research & development, connections and central location also mean ethic yet they can also take the developing a company. Business taxation is it is quick and easy to reach my business very attractive and, with a working week of which allowed me to develop partners in Munich, Vienna, Stuttgart, Milan relaxed view. 38.5 hours, one week’s less holiday entitlement a solid network of business or Zurich. Tirol is also perfect for my second and a high degree of employee flexibility, great passion, climbing. Between spring and manufacturing costs in Austria are around 40 partners. autumn I often meet my partner after work to per cent less than in .” go climbing in the Ötztal Valley. That, for me, adds an incredible amount of value.” The businessman

The businesswoman A native of Ludwigsburg, Nikolas Stihl, grandson of the founder of the Stihl company, Originally from South Tirol, Valentine managed the Viking company of Tirol for 18 Troi developed a special fibre-reinforced years following its purchase by the German plastics technology, a worldwide first, while company Stihl Holding AG in 1992. In the working at the Institute for Experimental last 20 years the number of staff at Viking has Architecture of the University of Innsbruck. grown from 67 in 1992 to approximately 300 After successfully registering a patent, she today. After Nikolas Stihl made the largest left the university and, in 2011, founded single investment (13.7 million euros in 2011) superTEX composites, for which she received in Viking’s history in Tirol, in order to meet a wide range of bespoke start-up assistance. the demands of a strongly growing market, he As well as in architecture and design, the new returned as advisory board chairman to the material has applications in the space, aircraft main firm of Stihl Holding AG in Waiblingen, and automotive industries. Baden-Württemberg. “ „ Great minds in Tirol

14 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 15 A strong economy

Tirol is a strong economic location for successful enterprises.

Does the name Tirol simply mean a holiday destination to you? Think again. The highest proportion of Tirol’s gross added value is represented by material goods production, followed by services to business. Herbert Noichl, 47: joint managing director and co-owner of Freisinger Fensterbau Dr. Christian Harisch, 47: managing director and co-investor in the Lanserhof Health Hotel Tirolean enterprises annually export goods to the value of over 11 billion euro, while their export growth rate is considerably higher than the Austrian average. Tirolean industry exports 67 per cent of its production, the third highest ratio of all Austrian federal states. Finally, world market leaders such as Swarovski, Egger Spanplattenwerke, Plansee, Sandoz, Tyrolit and Med-El “I have worked in 40 different This is really important for my business, “As a health centre for vital This is essential for lasting quality are internationally well-known flagship countries. For me and my because on average I have to fly 100 to 150 medicine, we work not just assurance and the innovative development companies from Tirol. times a year, so I can quickly reach my of our product. Good technical colleges and family, Tirol is undoubtedly the with our own six doctors but “GmbH light” facilitates international business partners around the universities mean we have a steady supply Robust growth best location. The mountains world. What I also appreciate about Tirol with over 30 other consultant of well-trained staff. Tirol is of course a the formation of a limited is the hard-working, flexible nature of our region blessed with political stability, a Tirolean economy has successfully overcome are a real tonic for me, while employees – I have often experienced the partners in Innsbruck. smoothly functioning social and healthcare the international crisis. A significant liability company opposite elsewhere. We also have strong system and an outstanding cultural and rebound in 2010 and 2011 (+1.8 per cent resp. Munich is close by. +2.3 per cent) was followed by an above- As of 1 July 2013 the formation of a GmbH science links with the department for timber natural landscape. The locals’ naturalness average economic growth of 1.2 percent in (limited liability company) in Austria and, construction at the University of Innsbruck and willingness are particularly worthy of 2012. Industrial production rose by 4.5 per therefore, also in Tyrol costs only 10,000 and the college for timber construction note. All this makes Tirol a very attractive cent in 2012 and regional unemployment euros instead of 35,000 euros. Compulsory in Rosenheim. Our colleague Professor business location.” was, according to European Union figures, disclosure in Wiener Zeitung also does not Wolfgang Feist is also an established expert The businessman just 2.5 per cent in 2012. apply anymore. in energy efficiency at the University of Innsbruck.” In order to form a GmbH (limited liability Christian Harisch, from Kitzbühel, joined Tax advantages The businessman company) in Austria a share capital of the operational side of the Lanserhof A major advantage of Tirol as a location 10,000 euros is needed. Before that a share over 15 years ago as managing director, is its attractive tax policies and service- capital of 35,000 euros was required. In real A native of , Austria, Herbert taking a share with other partners. The oriented administration. Corporate profits terms entrepreneurs now have to deposit Noichl returned to Tirol after working for hotel has since been a four-times winner are, according to international studies, taxed only 5,000 euros instead of 17,500 euros. many years as a top manager in various of the European Health and Spa Award. According to the World Competitiveness at an effective rate of just 22 per cent, while Within the EU the average minimum share international companies. In addition to Another Lanserhof, on the Tegernsee Lake Yearbook 2013, Austria has, according to the possibility of group taxation is unique capital is 8,000 euros. At the same time, his stakes in several enterprises, in 2009, in Germany, and the City Medical Spa in international standards, highly efficient in all Europe. Authorisation procedures take also the minimum corporate income tax together with Josef Freisinger, he took over Hamburg are currently under construction. SMEs (3rd). between 60 and 90 days. The relocation of is decreased from 1,750 euros to 500 euros the management of the Freisinger Fensterbau The Lanserhof was built 30 years ago as a German and Italian companies in particular, per year. company, which began 80 years ago as a simple holiday hotel. Taking the F.-X. Mayr carpentry shop and general store. For the According to the Global Competitiveness cure as a basis, the LANS Med Concept has for example Bionorica Research, Kathrein, last 20 years it has been a pioneer in the area Index 2013, Austria is above average in been developed over the past decades, while Durst Phototechnik, Leitner Technologies, of energy-efficient window construction, terms of “business sophistication” (6th), the hotel now has over 120 staff and six Loacker and Nordpan show the attractiveness employing 35 staff and exporting its “innovation” (13th), “infrastructure“ (13th) doctors on its payroll. of Tirol as an economic location. technology worldwide. and “technological readiness” (17th).

16 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 17 Professor Francesca Ferlaino, 35: Professor at the Institute for Experimental Physics at the Professor Lukas Huber, 52: director of the bio-centre, histology and molecular cell biology departments University of Innsbruck

“Experimental physics in I also get tremendous support here. The “Tirol possesses power and The region provides strong support for us in Innsbruck is highly regarded Rector encouraged me to apply for a full innovation. Its power lies research. I have developed such an extensive professorship, which was something special, infrastructure with opportunities for co- internationally. You don’t because frequently in your career you are in the quality of its people operation with researchers and practitioners just get to know top scientists totally reliant on yourself. My team at the as scientists, partners and here at the hospital that I have just rejected Institute are also right behind me. I work full a lucrative offer to take up a post in Dublin. here by reading their papers. time and have a 3-year old little boy. Flexible location developers. They The nature of the location here would be hard They actually come here, give working times are therefore very important are reliable, ambitious and to beat: I certainly would not give it up in a for me, and here that is no problem at all.” hurry. My family also feels very much at home lectures and hold courses, so innovative. here.” The scientist you can learn from and with The scientist the best in the world. Francesca Ferlaino was born in Naples. On completion of her physics doctorate Lukas Huber, originally from Vienna, in Florence, she came to the Institute for grew up in Tirol and, following his medical Experimental Physics at the University of studies, spent 16 years as a researcher in Innsbruck as a visiting lecturer. As a “Lise Germany and Switzerland. Subsequently, Meitner” scholar and supported by the while conducting applied research at the Austrian Fund for Science, she organised a Institute for Molecular Pathology in Vienna, team of scientists, set up a laboratory and he discovered his passion for pure research in researched into ultracold quantum gases. the area of medicines. Despite several offers She and her team were crucially involved in from Heidelberg, Zurich and Munich, in the world’s first Bose-Einstein condensate, 2002 he accepted the invitation to move to a central achievement in the science of Tirol in order to further develop and expand experimental physics. the centre for biomedicine at the Medical University as well as the Oncotyrol cancer research centre.

18 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 19 Christian Doppler laboratories (CD laboratories)

The CD laboratories conduct pure research related to application issues raised by companies. They are installed for a period of seven years at universities or non-university research establishments. University of Innsbruck, main building In Tirol these CD laboratories are researching: • CD laboratory for application-orientated optimisation of bonding agent composition and concrete production • CD laboratory for inflammation biology in gastroenterological illnesses

The following CD laboratories located in Bochum (North Rine-Westphalia), Leoben (Styria) and Vienna have their business partners in Tirol: A stable basis • CD-Labor for printing inks based on polymer • CD-Labor for mechanistic and physiological methods for more efficient bio processes • CD laboratory for biotechnology of fungi

Innovation comes from The University of Innsbruck has long been major role as an outstanding research partner. associated with renowned scientists, for These institutions place special emphasis on innovative intelligence. Since the example Victor Franz Hess, awarded the 1936 areas of importance in the future, namely Leopold-Franzens University Nobel Prize for Physics for the discovery bioscience, information technology and Universities/technical colleges Special university research was founded in Innsbruck of cosmic radiation, or Professor Peter quantum physics. establishments Zoller, currently teaching at the Institute for • Leading research in over 70 university in 1669, it has been a place Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Theory and practice Tirol is Austria’s no. 1 in the field of institutes and 20 university clinics • CMBI, centre for molecular biosciences of work for leading scientists. whose research awards include the Max Science in Tirol is not limited to theory: the “investment in pure research”. • Leopold-Franzens University • ADSI (Austrian Drug Screening Institute), Planck Medal and the Erwin Schroedinger research laboratories are next to the lecture has some 26,000 students and cancer research centre Pure research forms a Prize. One fifth of all scientific publications rooms and the research equipment is located With a figure for research of 2.79 per cent, 4,000 staff • Research Institute for Biomedical Aging substantial part of their work. in Austria originate in Tirol. Most are derived just a short distance from the patients. The Tirol is no. 3 in Austria, with the second • Medical University of Innsbruck has Research from pure research, the basis of a successful interdisciplinary work between the various highest per capita proportion of R&D some 2,800 students and 1,800 staff (all University of Innsbruck) business location. institutes and faculties and between theory expenditure among Austria´s federal states. • UMIT, a private university for and practice (see also p. 6) all mean that the health sciences, medical IT and Non-university research Centres of pure research discoveries and results are also of direct It has a strong position in the areas of life technology establishments benefit to the people and the economy. This sciences, biotechnology and bioinformatics • Management Centre Innsbruck The Leopold-Franzens University is the makes Tirol a dynamic science location where • Kufstein Technical College • Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for largest and most important research and enterprises and scientific establishments • Technical College for Healthcare, AIDS research educational facility in western Austria. The can rapidly create added value and develop Innsbruck • IQOQI – Institute for Quantum Optics Medical University of Innsbruck also plays a enormous growth potential. and Quantum Information, Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) • Institute for Mountain Research: People and Environment, ÖAW • Tirolean Cancer Research Institute

20 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 21 Higher technical education institutes (HTLs) Practical Tirol has a wide range of technical and industrial colleges in the area of higher education, the so-called Higher technical education institutes (HTLs). On completion of their final Numerous entrepreneurs in Tirol examinations, school leavers have both excellent technical and practical preparation before benefit from motivated staff who, with they enter the jobs market. Those wishing to go on to further training can attend technical their unfailing commitment, flexibility colleges or universities to expand their knowledge. and high degree of know-how and resourcefulness, help businesses to grow and to maintain their competitive HTLs in Tirol machine and industrial engineering, advantage. • HTL for chemistry, Innsbruck • Glass technical school, Kramsach • HTL for building and design, Innsbruck There is a highly effective, close co- • HTL for mechanical engineering, Fulpmes • College for mechanical engineering and operation with students of the higher • HTL for civil engineering, interior fittings automation engineering, Reutte technical education institutes, who and IT, Imst • Carving school, Elbigenalp produce their final projects in the field • HTL for mechanical engineering and • HTL for optometry, Hall in Tirol of research and development at an actual building engineering, Jenbach • HTL for mechatronics, Lienz in East Tirol company. • HTL for electronics, electrical engineering,

Know-how. Hannes Wohlfarter, a graduate of the Higher Technical Institute for Machine and Equipment Building, brings his knowledge into the workplace.

Highly skilled staff

The employment market in Hannes Wohlfarter sits at his workplace at of batteries. The cables run down to a shelf Two years ago he decided, together with two Gruber Assist in Wörgl, Austria. He uses tools below on which the charger stands. Rolls of school friends, to complete his final project Tirol benefits from young, to draw lines and circles on the white page on cable are stored in a bin under the shelf. “I need with the Gruber Assist company. “They showed motivated and well-trained the screen. “I am developing a clutch between the cables for developing the test rig”, says an interest and also offered me a job”, he says. two axles. This morning I made a sketch by Hannes. He works 38.5 hours a week, but he gladly puts technical college graduates hand which I am now transferring onto the in extra hours in the run-up to trade fairs and such as 21-year old Hannes computer”, he explains. Together with company founder Karl other important events. “That’s fine by me, Schweitzer, who attended the Higher Technical because I like my work and I also know that the Wohlfarter. He works at He obtained all the necessary technical and Institute for Electrical Engineering, he has bike business is seasonal and I can of course the Wörgl-based company practical knowledge for his work at the Higher developed a way of transferring the data via adapt to that.” Technical Institute for Machine and Equipment cables from the batteries to the computer. “We Gruber Assist, optimising Building in Jenbach. For over a year he has have saved a lot of money. This technology costs Hannes moves his mouse and finalises his the performance of electric been helping Gruber Assist develop an electric some 200 euros from the battery manufacturer. technical drawing. In the course of the motor for mountain bikes to be hidden in the We made it for 20 euros”, says his boss. The afternoon it will be finished and the order motors for mountain bikes. saddle tube. company also developed the test rig which given to realise it in order to perform the would have cost several thousand euros on the optimised test series. The room is bright and neat. On the wall hangs market. Hannes Wohlfarter is now responsible a metal device for the charging and discharging for optimising the battery measurements.

22 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 23 Mechatronics goes medical technology

UMIT, the private university in Hall in Tirol, offers an advanced course inmedical technology for its master’s degree in mechatronics, which has been met with considerable business approval, as more and more mechanical and electrical engineering firms in the German-speaking countries wish to gain a foothold in this growth market. Tirol is one of the largest medical high leveltechnology locations in Austria.

• Productive Relationship: According to • Employees in Tirol put in an average of • At the turn of the half-year 2013 Tirol the World Competitiveness Yearbook 45 working hours a week – the most in saw the highest occupation rate ever, (WCY) 2013 Austria is in the fourth Europe. up 1.5 per cent on the previous year. place in regard of successful employer- employee relationships. • According to the WCY 2013 Austria ranks fourth worldwide what employee • Enterprises in Austria put a premium motivation is concerned. on staff training. • The high level of staff motivation is • The government of Austria and the partly attributable to the area’s fantastic region of Tirol support up to 20 per cent natural surroundings, innumerable of the costs of measures to train and opportunities for outdoor activities, high further develop staff. quality of life and low crime rate.

Rapid progress: she has rapidly worked her way up from chemistry laboratory assistant to senior laboratory technician. Today, as chair of the employee works council, she communicates team spirit and loyalty to young members of staff. Higher technical education institutes The power of learning Dual system and universities From the bottom up

From apprentices to practically oriented The dual system allows apprentices and Once a young person has completed their Barbara Nerad, 51, a native of the completing her training, this ambitious university graduates, there are numerous specialists to perform both efficiently and studies at a high school or higher technical Unterland of Tirol and chair of the young woman had become a chemical works highly trained specialists on the Tirolean effectively in a business situation. education institute, they can go on to a employee works council at Sandoz in supervisor and senior laboratory technician. jobs market, with the numbers continually technical college or university. These are and Schaftenau, describes her stellar career: In 2004 she then completed a specialist rising. Specialists have at least completed an The combination of vocational school and oriented towards the needs of business, also “In 1978 I began my apprenticeship as a university course in environmental and apprenticeship. work experience for apprentices, and of offering part-time practical courses of study. chemistry laboratory assistant at what was process engineering. “Just as I learned then, vocational academy and work experience With the development of technical education then Biochemie Kundl and is now Sandoz even today I still apply the basic values of Tirol is expecting an increase of ten per cent for specialists, ensures that employees have courses such as mechatronics (including GmbH,” she explains. “Then as now, Sandoz reliability, loyalty and team spirit and teach by 2015. The highest number of specialists in all received excellent training and education. an advanced course in medical technology), apprentices benefited from the combination these to apprentices and young people in the absolute terms – 85,500 – will then be found Technical abilities and skills are linked with process engineering, renewable energies of vocational school, practical laboratory company, together with a readiness to in the district surrounding Innsbruck. the teaching of theoretical expertise and technology and energy-efficient building, work and in-house training”, she says, further develop intercultural skills, the broadening of general education into a Tirol has positioned itself as a leading region describing the 3-tier system. Soon after flexibility and self organisation.” practicable, comprehensive know-how. for technology. By 2015, thanks to the region’s proactive initiatives, up to another 6,000 new jobs will be created.

24 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 25 A rich life

Leading a satisfying life also Tirol can offer valuable resources for body and soul to employers and employees alike, requires fulfilling, successful producing strength and motivation. Meeting work as a vital element. But our basic needs with ingredients of the Diversity highest quality is a sound basis for our further happiness can only come development. Thus for example even the tap from a proper combination of water you drink in Tirol refreshes the body with the necessary nutrients. Fresh, locally stable social networks, health, grown and refined foodstuffs are not just to unspoilt nature and a rich be found in supermarkets but also appear as delicacies on the menus of numerous Tirolean cultural life. restaurants and hotels.

Exercise for body and spirit

Alongside food and drink, physical and mental exercise are necessary to lead a fulfilling life. Tirol’s fresh mountain air will help unburden your mind while you are out walking, mountain biking or skiing. The impressive mountain panorama turns golf, riding or climbing into an unforgettable experience, while the cultural life of Tirol offers artistic fare for the spirit. High-quality musical events and dance, theatre and opera productions at the Tirol Theatre, the Summer of Dance, the Festive Weeks of Old Music, the Tirolean Popular Theatre, the Tirolean Festival in , as well as vernissages, shows and cabaret all enrich life in the mountains.

Tirol has all you need to lead a rich life. You just need to use it.

26 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 27 “I can enjoy good health every day in “Innovations based on tradition are the both my work and my free time.” key to my business success.”

Monika Mattesich: medical specialist, University Clinic, Innsbruck Hermann Spiegl: managing director, Spiegl Tec Consulting

on a human scale Success across the board environmentally friendly

The careful husbanding Unspoilt nature, motivated staff, the security the eleven quality of life indicators that the performance, and that is exactly what Tirol The results so far are positive: Tirol already of renewable energies, a healthy balance OECD includes in its evaluation. can offer. produces more electricity from renewable of human and ecological between the exploitation and protection sources than it uses, while 35 per cent of resources, plus the desire of natural resources, social security, A recent survey in Tirol showed that 76 per Tirol is just as active in treating its ecological its total energy requirements come from political stability, quality education and a cent of all Tiroleans or those working here resources responsibly while using them in sustainable sources. It is consciously and to develop both in the best comprehensive healthcare system. Tirol has regard their surroundings as a very attractive the best possible way. As regards the “energy purposefully taking steps to benefit people, possible way, are vital for plentiful resources in these areas: it is now location in which to live and work. This is an transition”, the location is proactively entering the economy and nature. Top-Five: In terms of life satisfaction Austria taking further measures to secure them for a important part of Tirol’s “Happily in Tirol” the age of hydropower, solar, geothermal ist ranked fifth within the OECD Better the lasting success of a successful future, as a country’s GDP is not campaign. Testimonials can be found on and biomass energies and is targeting energy Life Index. location. the sole indicator of its prosperity. www.zumgluecktirol.at indicating the location autonomy by 2050. The prospects currently factors that support the success of enterprises appear bright, not least due to the intensive According to the WCY, Austria has a very Quality of life as an asset or research. Quality of life is an asset when efforts of the Tirol renewable energies cluster good healthcare system (no. 7) and adequate competing for the best minds. with its 80+ members drawn from the fields energy supplies for the future (no. 6). The OECD has developed the Better Life of business, science and education. The Additionally the risk for political instability Index to illustrate the true wealth of a Full of energy growth and development of economic sectors (no. 11) ist very low. particular nation. Life satisfaction, education, that contribute to this objective is also being personal safety, work-life balance, community, Good quality of life in a resource-rich supported and promoted. health and the environment are just some of region provides the basis for outstanding

28 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 29 Congress Centrum Alpbach

Innsbruck Trade Fair K3 Kitzkongress Congress Innsbruck An outstanding workshop for ideas The top 7 reasons for holding conferences and congresses in Tirol

Training, presenting, Perfection is the result of ceaseless practice and The benefits of proximity the finest scientific qualifications and improvement. This is what characterises excellent local co-operation partners. networking and more. Tirol’s conference and congress centres. Tirol offers places for reflection, highly Medical congresses are as much a part of Entrepreneurs and scientists professional infrastructure and assistance, the annual repertoire as conferences for • Professional offering based on many The “congress village” of Alpbach can build and a natural backdrop that is ideal geologists, geographers, economists and years of experience of congress and all appreciate Tirol as a on a tradition that goes back to 1945, when it for walking, skiing or simply relaxing. business administrators on the effects of conference events congress and conference managed to bring the best thinkers together Accommodation, venues and leading climate change and the future of the Alps. • Ultra-modern technology and in the “Alpbach European Forum”. They scientific and business locations are all infrastructure location. Tirol differs from laid the foundation-stone for a peaceful and just a short distance apart. A trip to the The Convention Bureau Tirol offers • Proximity to unique nature with other locations in one crucial prosperous Europe and the annual “Alpbach Seegrube, the Innsbruck skyline, is just as comprehensive information to help appropriate activity programmes Europahaus in Mayrhofen talks” still today see top scientists and easy as hiking in the Zillertal Valley or a in the organisation of congresses and • Good connections (rail, road, airports aspect: here in the mountains managers taking part in discussions with a day’s skiing in Kitzbühel. Numerous events conferences. From its pool of 60 associated at Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich) you can fully recuperate central role in forming the future of Europe. agencies offer plenty of variety for visitors facilities and businesses it can help select • Good cost-benefit ratio to Tirol. A congress held here is enhanced by the best partners for an event, as well • “Green Meeting” certification possible after a hard day’s work. That On the subject of the future, the Tirolean something intangible as regards lifestyle: a as the most suitable location. Possible • High political and economic security makes a vital difference. congress centres are state-of-the-art in feeling of well-being. conference and congress centres include and stability terms of sustainability. Both the congress the Congress and Messe Innsbruck, centre of Alpbach and the “Congress and A local partner Congresspark Igls, K3 Kitzkongress, Messe Innsbruck” offer “Green Meeting” the Europahaus in Mayrhofen and the certification for events. Since Tirol has a long tradition as a scientific congress village of Alpbach. location, congresses here can rely on www.convention.tirol.at

30 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 31 “Gross domestic product alone does not make people happy, nor are impressive mountains enough to satisfy their everyday needs.” Harald Gohm, executive director of the Standortagentur Tirol, the regional business location agency growth “Happily in Tirol” businessnetwork location

Why competition and What makes Tirol the perfect location? leading international research and technology operations. In essence we offer help in establishments specialising in the sectors combined with satisfaction and happiness. achieving lasting growth. This is the only way of the future, such as renewable energies, satisfaction need to interact Dr. Harald Gohm: In three words: “Happily in Together these make Tirol the perfect location. to ensure the stable job creation that will be of mechatronics or life sciences. and what the Standortagentur Tirol”. It is no coincidence that the current greatest benefit to the location. We have successfully integrated location campaign for the location bears this name What additional contribution does the marketing with the fields of research and Tirol, the regional business or that it revolves around happiness. Once business location agency provide? What is the particular work of the agency? education. According to one European location agency, can contribute. material prosperity has achieved a certain benchmarking analysis, we are trailblazers in level, it has to be followed by immaterial Gohm: We assist companies that want to Gohm: We are service providers for the region this regard. Executive director Dr. Harald prosperity. Gross domestic product alone stay or become competitive. We also assist of Tirol and we act as part of a wider network, Small- and medium-sized enterprises looking Gohm explains. does not make people happy, nor are enterprises that want to establish themselves which ensures that we are at the same time to gain a technological edge and further their impressive mountains enough to satisfy their in Tirol or are initially seeking partners both flexible and strong. We also manage co-operative development in innovation- everyday needs. There must be a blend of here. We can advise and assist those wanting so-called clusters for co-operation between friendly surroundings will find that Tirol hard and soft factors. Tirol offers for example to expand their research and development innovation-oriented enterprises and research represents an excellent choice of location.

32 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 33 Decide for a location to live and work that offers …

… political and social security

… economic prosperity

… a network of outstanding enterprises

… highly qualified and motivated staff Welcome to Tirol … leading international research achievements … bespoke support The Standortagentur Tirol, the business location agency, can open the doors to one of Europe’s most dynamic economic regions. … a business-friendly tax system prosperity

We can provide you with comprehensive … unspoilt nature information on living and working in Tirol. We can show you the special opportunities security available to your enterprise in the location, … a highly developed healthcare system assist you throughout your investment decision-making or location processes and connect you rapidly and individually to the … top-quality drinking water. relevant networks. We will also help you in looking for suitable staff, submitting applications and completing requests for support, as well as with matters concerning nature the compatibility of your professional and healthcare system your family life. We will be happy to help you. excellence

The Standortagentur Tirol is the official business location agency of the region of Tirol. We can support open the doors to one of Europe’s most beautiful economic locations, offering excellent prospects, in network a straightforward, personalised way:

HAPPILY IN TIROL. quality

34 · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info · www.tirol.info · Tirol – the business location 35 Standortagentur Tirol Agency for Innovation and Technology

Ing.-Etzel-Straße 17 6020 Innsbruck · Austria +43.512.576262 t +43.512.576262-10 f [email protected] e www.standort-tirol.at w

... with excellent prospects · Tirol – the business location · www.tirol.info